As we settle into the new academic semester and the new year, I’ve had a chance to do some personal reflection on this past momentous year – the pandemic, the vaccine rollout, and the ways these have changed all our lives in both profound and mundane ways (and with some unexpected Silver linings, like spending more time with family and pets, discovering home hobbies, and connecting more immediately with others far away); a renewed national energy to advance racial and social justice in response to state-sanctioned racial murders; the very recent election and insurrection, and all the tumultuous political events surrounding it…I could go on…
With all that, I am approaching this new year and semester with optimism and resolve, and I wanted to warmly welcome back our returning students and extend enthusiastic greetings to our new students. I am sure that you are already quite busy with classes, and are forming connections with your classmates and our outstanding faculty and instructors. Despite the considerable ongoing challenges and continued mostly virtual learning, we remain steadfast in our commitment to provide the most enriching and full academic experience as you pursue your social work path.
Silver is about community – a close knit network of social worker scholars, educators, and staff – that extends across four campuses. We work to provide the support you need to thrive as you balance the demands of school, fieldwork, and your many personal and professional commitments. Over the past few years, the School has made focused, intentional efforts to meet the varied needs of our students, and in particular to ensure Silver is a place that all students feel seen, included, and valued.
To this end, the School has prioritized student wellbeing and community-building through our Office of Inclusive Engagement and Student Life, Office of Career and Professional Development, and Student Ombuds. These offices and staff work closely and seamlessly to provide support, resources, and opportunities to network and connect. As an extension of this work, NYU Counseling and Wellness has hired
Dr. Tiffany Llewellyn, an accomplished Certified Licensed Clinical Social Worker, primarily to serve NYU Silver students. This partnership between Silver and NYU Counseling and Wellness is a direct result of a proposal submitted by the Socioemotional Support for Students of Color Work Group as part of the School’s Action Against Racism agenda, and through ongoing conversations with our Rockland and Westchester campus students. While based at NYU Counseling and Wellness at the Washington Square campus, Dr. Llewellyn will serve students at all three New York campuses.
All members of the NYU Silver community are encouraged to participate in our Action Against Racism work. There are currently a number of Work Group openings for faculty, staff, and students who wish to play a hands-on role in achieving the action steps that have been identified to date. We are providing information about the Work Groups below, as well as a number of other resources that we hope will be useful during your time at Silver.
Finally, as the semester gets underway, I want to welcome these talented faculty to their new leadership roles at the School: Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Robert Hawkins, Director of the MSW Program Ernest Gonzales, and Director of the Undergraduate Program Dina Rosenfeld. I am sure you will benefit from their collective expertise, commitment, and guidance.
My warm wishes for a successful Spring 2021!